USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1961-1965 > Part 36
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The two biggest items in plant improvement were the painting of the building and the adding of two double bookcases, resulting in the addition of over 200 feet of shelf space.
Once again the Library is grateful to those many people who contributed books, some of which would not have been available otherwise.
The Trustees also express their appreciation of the high calibre of the staff personnel and the excellent service it has performed.
CLIFFORD W. BURGESS, Chairman MURIEL BOYCE
LESLIE POLK
LIBRARY STATISTICS
Volumes in library, January 1, 1964
16,218
Volumes donated (gifts)
104
Volumes purchased in 1964
1,266
1,370
Less volumes discarded, lost
495
875
Volumes in library, January 1, 1965
17,093
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Personnel Board
It was voted, at the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1964 to amend the Town By-Laws to establish a Personnel Board of five members to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
It was also voted to adopt a plan entitled "Personnel Program" outlining a Classification Plan, a Compensation Plan, and a Sched- ule of Fringe Benefits, as prepared and recommended by the Per- sonnel Study Committee.
The Board held monthly meetings throughout the year and met with governing boards, department heads, and employees. Various matters concerning classification, compensation and fringe benefits, and particularly the administration of the Pro- gram were discussed and some new and revised policies, proce- dures, and regulations were voted.
A review was made of the Salary and Wage Schedules and Benefits of numerous Towns in the Commonwealth, along with similar information from Towns in the immediate area, and com- parisons made with the Town Program.
The Board became a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Personnel Board Association, Incorporated and was represented at the Annual Meeting and participated in the exchange of views and information.
HERMAN G. GRANDCHAMP, Chairman MARSHALL E. ROPER, Secretary JOHN BEMBEN JOSEPH P. MELL
DARREL S. AMES
Pest Control Report
In general we have followed the recommendations of the Mas- sachusetts Department of Natural Resources in our Pest Control activities. The pest control program is aimed at controlling the Dutch elm disease, Gypsy moths, poison ivy, and other such cyclic pests such as cankerworm and forest tent caterpillar which may injure our shade tree population along our highways.
In our Dutch elm work we have conducted a good sampling and sanitation program. Supplementing the removal of diseased trees with a dormant elm spray early in the spring on our more valued elms is, in brief, our elm program. The chemical used to spray the elms was once again Methaxychlor rather than D.D.T. (A material much lower than D.D.T. in toxicity.)
During 1964, 50 elm trees were sampled and sent to the Uni- versity of Massachusetts Shade Tree Laboratories for testing. All
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of these samples contained the Dutch elm disease fungus. These 50 diseased elms were removed in 1964 along with 24 other elms which were either dead or obviously infected. A scouting pro- gram conducted in late 1964 resulted in a total of 30 additional suspected" elms which should be removed before May 1, 1965.
Gypsy moth scouting during 1964 turned up only a minimum number of egg clusters, mostly near the Monson line. The lack of Gypsy moth infestation could be attributed in part to the aerial spray conducted for mosquito control.
The mosquito control program was once again conducted in Wilbraham during 1964. Two sprays were applied by helicopter. This spray program was conducted under the control of the Mas- sachusetts Pesticide Board in the Department of Public Health. Under laws established in 1962 and now in effect, all applicators of pesticides must be licensed by this board before any pesticide can be applied to "land of another."
During 1964, all requests for poison ivy control in public areas were attended to.
GORDON R. LONG
Photo by Rowley
Co-chairmen James Brophy (right) and Gordon Cameron (second from left) of the Wilbraham Interfaith Civil Rights Council shown with two guest speakers at a monthly meeting.
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Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission
The hopes and proposals initiated in 1963 saw considerable fulfillment in 1964, though with considerable changes in the original outline. Looking back, it can truly be said that the year was one of solid progress highlighted by the important decisions which led to the key role of the District in the Comprehensive Area Transportation Study. This study, carried on by the De- partment of Public Works, is an essential requirement for con- tinued Federal aid for highway development; and without the study, the Federal aid would definitely be terminated. Comple- tion of the study by 1966 is likewise essential; and the area is fortunate in having a regional district already formed and oper- ating, ready to participate in the study.
The beginning of 1964 saw the completion and distribution of our generalized soil survey report and map. This is the prelimi- nary work necessary to a particularized study and the areas for that study have already been determined and the contract with the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture signed. Work on this study is far advanced, and a completed report can be expected early in 1965.
Work was proceeding briskly on our original planning pro- gram when we were called upon by the Department of Com- merce, the Bureau of Public Roads, the Department of Public Works, and HHFA to play a major role in the Area Transporta- tion Study above referred to. Much rescheduling of work was required and many meetings were devoted to sorting out areas of study between the different agencies, principally to avoid duplication. It is to the credit of all concerned that these matters were successfully concluded and reduced to contract terms by August, and the new direction of our work proceeded apace. The District met this new challenge realistically, was the first to sign the new contract: and, thereunder, the District was the first to produce results, having submitted a traffic zoning and com- muting pattern and a Domestic Refuse and Industrial Waste Collection and Disposal Report, all within two months of the final signing. Population studies and employment, trade and industry, health and welfare, and zoning and subdivision control studies are well underway and in most cases will be completed in the first half of 1965.
Our new quarters at the Hampden County Improvement League Building in West Springfield have proved entirely ade-
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quate and we are gradually furnishing the office with drafting equipment, etc.
We were pleased with the addition of the Town of Hampden as a member and are earnestly soliciting additional communities to join, particularly Holyoke, South Hadley and Chicopee, and Longmeadow and East Longmeadow. Additional Federal funds hinge on expanded membership.
Two great undertakings face us in 1965, that of providing a professional staff and that of starting comprehensive work on an area development plan. Both go hand in hand. Up to now, The Planning Services Group has served the District extremely well and will continue to do so in 1965. However, to obtain Federal assistance on an Area Development Plan, a local professional planning staff is required. Our chief role in the Area Transpor- tation Study is the development of an overall plan for the entire region, a truly monumental task. We are presently advertising for applicants for either a planning director or an assistant plan- ning director. We sincerely hope for a competent staff and with the help of our excellent consultants to achieve the transition from full-time consultants to full- or at least part-time staff.
A financial report is attached to this report.
EDWARD C. PECK, JR., Chairman
FINANCIAL REPORT - 1964
Receipts
Agawam
$1,257.44
Hampden
187.60
Ludlow
1,104.40
Middlefield
25.20
Southwick
411.12
Springfield
13,957.04
West Springfield
1,993.92
Westfield
2,104.48
Wilbraham
590.96
Total Receipts
$21,632.16
Disbursements
Rent
$600.00
Telephone
201.70
Insurance
80.00
Office Expenses
36.30
Total Expenses
$918.00
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Payment to
Mass. Dept. of Commerce
$23,883.00 1,800.00
Survey
Office Equipment
232.00 25,915.00
Total Disbursements
$26,833.00
Excess Disbursements over Receipts
5,200.84
Balance of Cash March 17, 1964
17,179.81
Balance of Cash December 31, 1964
$11,978.97
Plumbing Inspector's Report
The Rules and Regulations relative to the construction, altera- tion, repair, and inspection of plumbing were adopted by the Board of Health on May 12, 1964 and became effective July 1, 1964.
For the period July 1, 1964 through December 31, 1964, a total of 204 permits were issued and are as follows:
62 Septic tank installations
52 Plumbing permits for new dwellings
26 Plumbing permits for alterations or repairs
64 Permits for gas piping
HARRY L. KING, JR.
Planning Board Report
Nineteen sixty four has been the most active year in some time for both the Planning Board and the entire town with regard to our zoning by-laws and districts. This past year also was marked by the completion and publication of the Master Plan. Along with these activities the Board also adopted several revisions to its Subdivision Rules and Regulations which were designed to upgrade the specifications for new streets.
In order to keep up with the increased work load, the Board began meeting on a regular basis twice each month and holding other special meetings as the need arose. During 1964 the Plan- ning Board held 39 regular and special meetings and approxi- mately 25 other informal meetings. Ten public hearings were held concerning petitions for subdivisions. Four of these were approved, one referred to the Board of Appeals, one was with- drawn at the request of the developer, and four have been dis- approved pending more information and corrections as requested by this and other Boards.
After a public hearing, the Planning Board, on March 11, 1964, voted to adopt changes to its Rules and Regulations. The
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changes provided for inspection of all new subdivision roads during construction, the retaining of existing trees and the plant- ing of new trees in the tree belt, a new street surface of bituminous concrete, and more rigid specifications for the road base and sub- base.
In June, at a Special Town Meeting, the Planning Board pre- sented to the Town, a complete revision to the zoning by-laws and zone districts. The proposed revisions involved not only a complete editing of the existing by-laws but also important changes and new concepts in planning. Residential lot sizes were increased: Cluster Zoning was introduced: Neighborhood Office and Shopping Districts were put under new restrictions; a new Limited Business District was created: and existing zone bounda- ries relocated. The Board also presented a new format for the by-laws which provided for a more logical grouping and sequence of articles and for future amendments as they become necessary. After four sessions, of what turned out to be the longest Town Meeting in memory, the Town voted to adopt the great majority of the proposed revisions. All revisions were presented to and approved by the Attorney General and went into effect October 16, 1964. The Board was extremely gratified by the acceptance of its recommendations and is confident that the Town is better prepared to meet the expansion certain to come.
Nineteen sixty four also saw the completion of the Master Plan by Technical Planning Associates. The Planning Board approved and accepted the plan and copies were made available to the townspeople at the cost of reproduction. The Master Plan is a guide for the future. It is not an unalterable document, but rather a framework within which the development of the Town may progress in an orderly and integrated manner. Much sta- tistical data was collected in the preparation of the plan enabling the planner to project the growth and potential of Wilbraham. Its proper use will be to furnish the townspeople and especially the elected officials with an opportunity to better understand areas which may well be affected by today's planning.
The preparation of the zoning changes and the Master Plan involved several people. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of past Planning Board members Mr. Richard H. Morgan, Mr. Bion T. Wheeler, and our Building Inspector, Mr. Anthony Mascaro. Special thanks to Mr. W. Edwin Watkins, Town Counsel, for countless hours, long nights, and Saturdays without
62
whom we would still be floundering in legal technicalities.
The Board was greatly saddened by the loss of Mr. Leo E. Kuehn. His efforts on behalf of the Planning Board and the Town were instrumental in preserving for Wilbraham, the char- acter and beauty we know and oftentimes take for granted. It is not possible to begin to appreciate his contribution to us.
It is only through the effort and awareness of all citizens that proper planning can be accomplished. We not only invite com- ments and suggestions; we urge everyone to take an active inter- est in all Town affairs and decisions.
We are fortunate that Wilbraham is still relatively undevel- oped. We are still relatively free from spot zones and non-con- forming uses of land. This provides us with the opportunity of planning, at an early stage, for our ultimate population and en- ables us to plan non residential zones which will not deteriorate abutting Residential Districts.
Nineteen sixty four has been a year of tremendous accomplish- ment, a good beginning, but far from the end result. Please be assured that your Board is aware of its responsibilities and will constantly strive to maintain the character and integrity of our Town.
WILLIAM E. LEONARD, Chairman HERBERT P. DAUNHEIMER
JAMES K. RUSSELL
WILLIAM SULLIVAN, JR. FRANKLIN T. RICHARDSON
Playground Commission Report
This has proven to be a successful year for the playground department. This success can be shared by the people who pre- sented, and the children who participated in the program.
The summer recreation program took place July 6th through August 14th, under the supervision of Mr. Richard Spencer. Adult assistants working under him were Mrs. Jane Meiklejohn, Mr. Joseph Van West, and Mr. Louis Verani. The young people acting as counselors were Leslie Thompson, Rie Nakashian, Le- nore Babineau, and Pat Fleming; while Ann Peterson and Carol Newhouse served as counselors in-training. Activities took place at Memorial School, Pines School, and Spec Pond, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, five days a week. The portion of the program which took place at Spec Pond was of four weeks duration, and was evenly divided; two weeks for each playground.
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Activities carried out during this summer program consisted of an arts and crafts period, group sports such as soccer and base- ball, group reading periods, supervised use of playground equip- ment, and group games. The program at Spec Pond taught the rudiments of water safety, use of boats and canoes, and nature study. This was the second year that Spec Pond was used by the playground department in its program. This four week period was conducted concurrently with the regular Lions Club full sum- mer program. It was received most enthusiastically and will be continued in 1965.
The Commission carried out normal maintenance procedures on our two fields, Memorial and Grassy Hollow, including ap- plication of fertilizer and weed killer. Groundskeeping of the baseball diamonds was carried out in cooperation with the many baseball leagues using these facilities. Assistance was given the members of the Wilbraham Heights Community Association in their development of Town property on Manchonis Road Exten- sion as a neighborhood play area. This group has shown real initiative in bringing this project to completion, and the Play- ground Commission is happy to participate in this type of neigh- borhood improvement.
In November a survey questionnaire was circulated through the school department to parents of all children, 1st through 6th grades. The purpose of this questionnaire was to determine the desirability of certain long range projects in the area of recrea- tion. Expression of public sentiment as regards the present pro- gram was solicited, and the response was taken into consideration in planning the 1965 program. The survey pointed up a serious lack of knowledge of the recreation program on the part of many residents of the Town. A brochure outlining the various town sponsored, and group sponsored activities will be prepared and distributed to all residents in the coming year.
The Commission wishes to extend thanks to the Highway De- partment, Fire Department, School Department, Police Depart- ment, Library Department, St. Cecilia's Men's Club, and Spec Pond Recreation Area Staff for their cooperation in carrying out our program. The Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Agard, has been most cooperative in working with playground personnel during the summer program. Plans are well underway for an even bigger year in 1965,
TRUMAN R. SWALLOW, Chairman
HAROLD LOVERING, JR. WILLIAM J. MILLER
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Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1964.
ROSTER OF THE DEPARTMENT
Chief, John S. Leary. Sergeant, John J. Chrzanowski. Regular Patrol- men: Newton W. Goewey, Jr., Terrence T. Reidy, Alton L. McDonald. Reserve Patrolmen: Stephen E. Lopata, Albert R. Gouvin, Jr., John Y. Hess. Auxiliary Police: Sgt. John J. Connor, Sgt. Wellington C. Rose, Sgt. Ralph M. Kilcourse, Sgt. Emeric J. Wyzik, Joseph Cloutier, Lawrence P. Cloutier, Edward E. Dearborn, Frederick J. Macaulay, Morrison Marelli, Howard S. McIntosh, Donald A. Bump, Robert A. Converse, Richard C. Swain, Walla Paradis, Alexander Murphy, William H. Rademaekers, Richard L. Poulin, Phillip Britten, Arthur W. Hunt, Jr., Stanley J. Pabis, John Ward, Walter S. Wirzbicki, Harold R. Hartman, Alfred E. Patrie. School Traffic Officers: Mrs. Mary Strycharz, Mrs. Helen Christensen, Mrs. Marjorie Goewey, Mrs. Joan Zeliwicz, Mrs. Pearle A. Treat.
ARRESTS FOR THE YEAR
Crimes Against the Person: Assault and Battery, 3. Crimes Against Property: Breaking and Entering, 8; Larceny, 2; Using a Motor Vehicle without Authority, 2. Crimes Against the Public Order, etc .: Disturbing the peace, 14; Drunkenness, 7; Driving while intoxicated, 4; Operating so as to endanger, 24; Operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, 16; Operating without a license, 6; Speeding, 50; Passing over solid line, 26; No sticker, 8; Red Light violations, 6; Stop sign violations, 15; School bus violations, 2; Lewdness, 1; Fugitive from justice, 1; Operating a motor vehicle after suspension or revocation, 2; Vagrancy, 4; Giving a false name to a police officer, 2; Accosting a person of the opposite sex, 1; Illegal fire- works, 1. Total, 207. Disposition of Cases: Fined, 157; Filed, 18; Proba- tion, 12; Sentenced to House of Correction, 14; Sentenced to Youth Service Board, 2; Bridgewater (viol. of prob.), 1; Cases pending, 2; Found not guilty, 1. Total, 207.
Total Amounts of Fines and Sentences: Fines imposed, $2,390.00; House of Correction, 57 months; Probation, 21 years.
In addition to the arrests listed there were 62 juveniles appre- hended. Twenty of these cases were brought to court and 42 were handled out of court.
Persons reported missing, 8; Lost persons located and returned to their homes, 8; Summonses served for other departments, 599; Complaints re- ceived and investigated, 446; Other investigations, 235; Suspicious persons and cars investigated, 43; Street lights reported not burning, 38; Homes vacant and cared for, 440; Buildings found open and secured, 122; Defec- tive streets and sidewalks reported, 12; Persons taken in charge and sent home, 18; Fires reported, 8; Pistol permits issued (including 1 Dealer's Permit), 70; Accident report copies requested and submitted, 95; Total value of lost and stolen property recovered, $18,621.50.
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During the year, 38 persons were transported to hospitals and doctor's offices in the police cruiser. There were 9 cases where the oxygen equipment was used.
There were 134 traffic accidents, of which 80 were property damage only, 54 personal injury accidents in which there were 101 persons injured, including 5 fatalities. Of the 183 cars in- volved, 122 were operated by out of town persons, and 61 by town residents
The following is a summary of the motor vehicle cases handled the past year.
Passing where view obstructed, 26; Failing to stop for a school bus, 2; No sticker, 8; Failing to stop at stop signs, 15; Speeding, 50; Passing a red light, 6; Driving after drinking, 6; Operating without a license, 6; Alter- ing or forging a driver's license, 2; Operating under the influence, 4; Leav- ing the scene of an accident, 2; Failing to keep within marked lanes, 5; Using a motor vehicle without authority (summons), 2; Following too closely, 1; Operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, 16; Spilling load on highway, 3; Operating after suspension or revocation, 4; Failure to use care in turning, 1; Using a motor vehicle without authority after suspension or revocation, 2; Operating so as to endanger, 24; Cases prosecuted in district court, 149; Cases referred to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, 40; Cases filed with warnings, 127.
These statistics compare favorably in most instances with those of 1963, the exception being the number of complaints received and investigated. This is due to the growth of the community. The Police Department appreciates the cooperation of the towns- people in the various activities which were undertaken during 1964; one of which was the State Convention hosted by the Polish American Veteran's Club, Inc., which brought another large crowd to this community.
A resuscitator which was presented to the Police Department by the Polish American Veteran's Club, Inc. has been used on numerous occasions and is greatly appreciated by all of our citi- zens.
1964 was a year in which this department made a great stride forward with the addition of a second cruiser, giving the com- munity additional coverage. Another patrolman, Alton L. Mc- Donald, was appointed a regular from the reserve ranks by the Selectmen. Patrolman McDonald took the training provided at the State Police Academy in Framingham, which every member has now taken. Last year also provided a clerk on a part time basis and Mabel Dautrich assumed that position in April.
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As pointed out in last year's report there exists a definite need for additional personnel and equipment. In order that we may provide adequate police protection on a modified basis my recom- mendation is that two full-time patrolmen be added this year; which will give us the manpower to have at least one man on the road during each of the twenty four (24) hours. The modifi- cation to this is that there still exists a communication problem and the Board of Selectmen, as Police Commissioners, and myself are presently studying the ways and means of implementing ade- quate facilities at minimum cost.
In conclusion, I wish to gratefully acknowledge the cooperation I have received from the Board of Selectmen and all other depart- ments of the Town.
JOHN S. LEARY, Chief of Police
Photo by Bogue
European guests who visited Wilbraham through the Association for World Travel Exchange planted a tree as a permanent memento of their stay. These young people were camp councilors from England, Germany and Austria.
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Report of Power Line Committee
A Power Line Committee was again appointed by the Select- men to continue to assist them in the discussion with the Western Massachusetts Electric Company relative to the building of 345,- 000 volt power lines on a 250-foot right of way through Wil- braham.
The Department of Public Utilities had granted public con- venience and necessity in January of 1963, and a public hearing on granting the right of eminent domain was held in September of 1963. As no decision had been rendered at the time of the appointment of the committee, a letter was sent to each land owner requesting a reply as to the status of their property and whether they were interested in continuing resistance to the company's proposal. Less than half the owners replied, and about one third indicated they were about to reach a settlement.
On December 10, 1964, the Department of Public Utilities granted the Western Massachusetts Electric Company the right of eminent domain to acquire the route. The decision did deny the additional 100 feet of cutting rights requested by the com- pany. The Commission further noted that of the six property owners who had made oral statements at the hearing in objection to the company's request, five had reached agreement. Several of these had been appeased by moving the line a small distance from the original proposal. The order also indicated the com- pany had acquired four fifths of the necessary land.
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